Armchair (one of a pair) 1763 - 1775

This armchair was made in France during the reign of Louis XVI by Claude Chevigny out of carved and gilded wood, and covered in tapestry. The carved wooden frame has an intricate design that adds to the chair's visual appeal. The carving and gilding of the wood, combined with the tapestry work, speaks to the skilled labor that went into its production, emphasizing the artistry of the craftspeople who made it. Chevigny was part of a network of Parisian furniture makers catering to the elite. Each element, from the selection of wood to the application of gold leaf, would have been carefully considered and executed by specialized artisans. The chair's aesthetic reflects the values of its time, representing luxury, status, and the cultural tastes of the French aristocracy. It exemplifies how furniture can be more than just functional objects. It embodies the fusion of design, craft, and social context, blurring the lines between decorative art and high art.